Philbex Cebu 2018 opens doors to sustainable future

• Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1764129/Cebu/Business/Philbex-Cebu-2018-opens-doors-to-sustainable-future
• Thursday, September 13, 2018

(PR)

NOW on its 16th year, Philbex Cebu affirms its commitment to lead the region’s construction and design industry into a future of sustainability and progressive innovation with another ground breaking installment.

The official opening on September 13 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall, the grand launch for the highly-anticipated trade event, was well-attended by select VIP personalities from the government as well as representatives from the construction and design trade.

Among those who graced the momentous occasion and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were,

Mr. Mario Montejo, Mr. Miguel Antonio Magpale, Idr. Ryan James Mantuhac, Dr. Herbert Buot and Ms. Herley Ann Herrera with Worldbex Services International’s Joseph L. Ang, Levi Ang, Archt. Francisco Flameño, Jr.,Rene Ramos and Jill Aithnie Ang.

Towards a self-sustaining future

Led by theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”, this year’s Philbex Cebu aims to unite architects, engineers, interior designers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts in its endeavor to promote the value of ingenuity and innovation in shaping the industry into one that is self-sustaining and adaptive to the ever-evolving demands of the times.

Furthermore, as Philbex Cebu moves closer to its Silver Anniversary, this year’s theme also aligns itself with the organization’s core thrust of leading the region’s construction and design trade at the forefront of global ascendance.

Unsurprisingly, the industry has eagerly expressed its trust and full support for the goals and aspirations of Philbex Cebu 2018 as evidenced by the impressive number of participants taking part in the four-day trade event. From last year’s 105 booths, Philbex Cebu 2018 houses over 120 booths and over 78 exhibitors across its 1,158sqm-wide exhibition space.

Apart from various local exhibitors, something new to watch out for at this year’s Philbex Cebu are the roster of international exhibitors from countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

No doubt a testament to the growing global reach and influence of Philbex Cebu, industry professionals and investors are expected to benefit from this year’s show as it offers everyone a unique opportunity to tap into a foreign network. It would come as no surprise if Philbex Cebu 2018 easily outnumbers its previous visitor count of 28,000 show attendees.

Upholding value-laden strategies

Philbex Cebu may be highly-regarded for showcasing the most extensive display of the latest and most outstanding product and service innovation from the market but its compelling line-up of signature events is what truly sets the show apart from its contemporaries. And this year is no different as it returns to deliver another insightful range of event highlights.

Among these include the Architect’s Gallery, a venue that showcases the unique design perspectives and insights into the latest trends by the region’s top architects and their respective firms. Participating at this year’s show are Abadia Architects and Designers, Archiglobal, Inc., Nueast, Arkitecture, Pont Architectural + Design Studio, the Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

Another highly-anticipated Philbex Cebu event is the Projéto Cebu Furniture Design Competition. Now on its 3rd edition, Projéto engages participants with the challenge of creating a studio-type condominium unit that will address a student’s need for a relaxing and work-conducive haven. This year, the shortlisted participants are students from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, the University of San Carlos-Safad, and the University of San Carlos-Talamban.

This year, Philbex Cebu is also thrilled to return with the Philbex MiniCons. Considered as a platform for the free-flowing exchange of information about innovative solutions that will address issues that concern the industry, the Philbex MiniCons is an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to expand their knowledge and get acquainted with likeminded individuals.

The Philbex MiniCons 2018 kicked off with the 3rd General Membership Meeting and Technical Seminar of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) last September 13 while another General Membership Meeting (GMM) for the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations Inc. (Creba) will be held on September 14. Most notably, on September 15 to 16, the Philbex MiniCons in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter will present the Business of Interior Design Conference.

Nurturing an empowered community

Over the years, Philbex Cebu, in partnership with Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) chapter, has championed the value of interior design in the construction of spaces through the longstanding Interior Designers Gallery. By hosting this year’s PIID – VisMin caravan, Philbex Cebu affirms its commitment to nurture Visayan interior design.

Viewed as direct actualizations of the various goals that Philbex Cebu have for each of its edition, these highlights serve to engage industry practitioners in relevant discussions and activities that will further the growth and development of the community. As stated by IDr. Joan S. Reyes, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Panay Chapter, Philbex Cebu marks the “mutual effort to equip the professionals with learning tools in undertaking a higher set of responsibilities as our nation pursue the mandate to building infrastructures.”

Indeed, this year’s Philbex Cebu is shaping up to be the show’s biggest and most ambitious installment yet. As captured best by the remarks of IDr. Shiela Sandino-Gumba, President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) – Eastern Visayas Chapter, Philbex Cebu 2018 “presents a preview of the future for industry professionals in the field of construction and interior design.”

Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 16th PHILBEX will run until September 16, from 10am to 8pm, at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Admission is free. For more information, follow Worldbex Services International on Facebook and @worldbex on Instagram, call (02) 656-9239, or email info.worldbex@gmail.com.